Great Lakes Wire

Last week Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II announced that more than $577,000 in grant money will be used to support the adoption of electric vehicles across the state.

According to a release on April 28, this will involve six new services designed to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure as well as increase access to electric vehicles. The companies include Chargeway, eCAMION, ElectricFish, Fleet Lab, MoGo and Volta. Funding will be through the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform for projects in Lansing, Traverse City, Port Austin, Allegan County, Burt Township, Monroe, Ann Arbor, Detroit and DTE’s Energy Service Territory.

“Michigan is the birthplace of the modern automobile, and as the industry evolves through electrification it is fitting that these advancements would be accelerated in this state,” said Matt Teske, Founder and CEO of Chargeway, which is receiving $150,000 in grant money. “Mobility has improved through electrification, providing consumers with a more powerful fuel that is also far more affordable, cleaner and available everywhere, including in their homes. That is why the Chargeway team is so excited to be working with the Michigan Auto Dealers Association and electric utilities throughout Michigan to bring the ‘electric fuel’ experience home for residents.

Gov. Whitmer and Gilchrist have been both working hard in the advancement of electric vehicles statewide as the administration has had huge investments from GM, Ford, Stellantis and electric vehicle battery manufacturers. These have helped create 21,600 jobs in the automobile industry.

This year Whitmer launched a program to lower the cost of electric vehicles with a $2,500 rebate for purchasing an electric vehicle and charging equipment which builds on a $7,500 federal credit. 

The electric vehicle projects are involved in the MI Healthy Climate Plan announced by Whitmer last month.

“Whether we are supporting electric vehicle manufacturing, industry-leading research campuses, or training the talent of the future to adapt to this electrified landscape, we understand in Michigan the value of innovating in our current mobility ecosystems to support the needs of the future,” said Gilchrist. “These grant recipients represent the next phase in our state’s evolution as a mobility leader and will undoubtedly help pave the way for our continued economic growth and success in this space.”

The Michigan Mobility Funding Platform was launched by the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, which partnered with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the state’s Department of Transportation. Grants focus on improving environmental sustainability through encouraging electric vehicles, increasing affordable and reliable transportation and modernizing transportation systems already in place. 

To date, the new grants have provided more than $1.7 million to the state.

“As the legacy automaker in the country, Michigan is uniquely positioned with the right combination of knowledge and resources to lead the charge of widespread vehicle electrification,” said Trevor Pawl, Chief Mobility OFME. “We are proud to support these visionary companies as they work to make the future of electrification and sustainable, equitable mobility a reality.”